Eat fudge. Drink wine. Plan a funeral. There's more than drywall and lawn furniture at the Everett Home and Garden Show, which runs Friday through Sunday at Comcast Arena in Everett.Booths include windows, plumbing and pest control to fashion, health and art."I try to get diversity," spokesman Jim Ashe said. "I think it is more interesting for the public."Every year is more of the same, sure, but there are also new things. "The word that comes to mind this year is sustainability," Ashe said. Save the planet and save money."The renewable energy business is going strong here. We have three companies that have solar power and wind power and other kinds of renewable energy," Ashe said. "You can go off the grid big or offset some of your electrical expense with a smaller setup."Another biggie is outdoors fun. "We have more landscape exhibits than we ever had, with a lot of the focus on some really nice backyard areas and outdoor space where people can gather," Ashe said. "That might be a firepit, gazebo, smaller water feature and some nice hardscape as well."Spend a little or a lot. The show is a place to dream big, but you can start small."Work can be done in phases," said Toni Lovold of Whispering Pines Custom Landscapes, a vendor at the show.Daily speakers include Lori Wells of Dignity Memorial, Tim Nelson of Fire Mountain Solar and Sunnyside Nursery's Steve Smith.Hear from the expertsFRIDAY11:30 a.m.: Lori Wells, Dignity Memorial: "Your Life, Your Legacy"1:30 p.m.: Steve Smith, Sunnyside Nursery, "Whistling Gardener": "What's New in the Garden in 2014"2:30 p.m.: Keith Hughes, West Seattle Energy: "Solar Works! The truth about cost and benefits in the Northwest"4:30 p.m.: Brad Tiehen, Guardian Home Solutions: "Consulting Home Remodeling Specialist"SATURDAY11:30 a.m.: Lori Wells, Dignity Memorial: "Your Life, Your Legacy"12:30 p.m.: Steve Smith, Sunnyside Nursery, "Whistling Gardener": "What's New in the Garden in 2014"1:30 p.m.: Keith Hughes, West Seattle Energy: "Solar Works! The truth about cost & benefits in the Northwest"2:30 p.m.: Dawn McMillion, NW Natural Lighting: "Bring Light and Life Into Your Home Naturally"3:30 p.m.: Brad Tiehen, Guardian Home Solutions: "Consulting Home Remodeling Specialist"4:30 p.m.: Tim Nelson, Fire Mountain Solar: "Why Go Solar Now"5:30 p.m.: Robert King, NW Quality Remodeling / NW Garages: "New Ideas, Designs and Materials in Decking"SUNDAY11:30 a.m.: Lori Wells, Dignity Memorial: "Your Life, Your Legacy"12:30 p.m.: Steve Smith, Sunnyside Nursery, "Whistling Gardener": "What's New in the Garden in 2014"1:30 p.m.: Tim Nelson, Fire Mountain Solar: "Why Go Solar Now"2:30 p.m.: Kevin Jones, Jordan Nursery: "Let Your Garden Grow! It's Easier Than You Think"If you goThe show is at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The wine tasting is 4 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday.Cost is $6.75 for adults; $6.25 seniors; and free for kids 16 and under.For more information, go to www.everetthomegardenshow.com.Expo tipsTips for consumers shopping home expos and tradeshows.Research before you go. Call up websites of the show in advance to do homework on appealing vendors.Shop around. Collect information, network and ask questions. Engage with booth owners, get specifics on pricing and company policies.Stay on budget. Avoid impulse spending. Stick with goals. Steer clear of high-pressure sales tactics.Check registration. Before hiring contractors, make sure they are properly registered. Registered contractors must have liability insurance, business licenses and bonds.Purchases made at home shows—or other places that are not the sellers' permanent place of business—are subject to the Federal Trade Commission's Cooling-Off Rule, entitling buyers to full refunds if requested within three days.Visit the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries' ProtectMyHome and use the HireSmart worksheets to develop projects and make hiring decisions.For more information, go to www.bbb.org.Source: Better Business Bureau

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